Featuring an imposing 14,411-foot high active volcano, Mount Rainier National Park is a great choice for your next RV getaway in Washington. The park is one of the oldest in the nation with its history dating back to 1899 when President William McKinley signed a bill authorizing its creation.
The mountain is the biggest feature of Mt. Rainier National Park and it attracts nearly 10,000 people a year who will attempt to reach the peak. This climb isn't for the faint-hearted, as less than half successfully reach the top. If you don't make it to the top, don't worry, as there is so much to see and do below the peak. Nowhere else in the Pacific Northwest can you hike past meadows of wildflowers, towering waterfalls, and ancient glaciers.
There are also plenty of recreational activities to choose from, including include hiking, biking, and even a ranger-led astronomy program in the evenings during the summer months. The trails here range from beginner to experienced, and, if you are not feeling up to a hike, take a drive to one of the scenic overlook points located off park roads. If you choose to visit Mt. Rainier National Park during the winter months you can check out ranger-led snowshoeing, tubing, and breathtaking views of subalpine meadows blanketed in fresh snow.
Mount Rainier National Park is open year-round, but some roads and areas of the park are inaccessible during the winter months. There are regular nightly closures of certain park roads throughout the rest of the year, so make sure you pay attention to the road alerts.
Temperatures also vary depending on what time of the year you visit the park. While it does warm up in the summertime, park temperatures tend to fluctuate and average on the cooler end. This definitely has its upside for those visiting the summer months as you will be able to get away from the hot weather that the season is known for.
There are three RV-friendly campgrounds at Mount Rainier National Park that are located at varying elevation. One thing to pay attention to before you book your stay is that the max RV length is 35 feet, so if you have a larger rig you will not be able to stay at one of the park campgrounds. If you do have a larger RV, you can stay at one of the many private campgrounds near the park or at the Seattle/Tacoma KOA. Being within an hour and a half of Seattle also means you will have plenty of RV rental options if you don't have your own rig.